The collaboration underscores the importance of global initiatives for promoting excellence

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Oxford University, UK to promote excellence in training, research and capacity building was approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two institutions in November 2021.

Oxford is both a thriving location for the study of India and a partner in collaborative work with many Indian institutions.

According to an official statement issued after the cabinet meeting, the MoU seeks to make India a regional hub for capacity building for Indian scientists and researchers, collection of data as per international standards and regulatory requirements and utilization of funds and capacity development adhering to the principles of equity and sovereignty.

Emphasis has been laid on joint fund raising with time-bound hosting of the Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO) Secretariat for obtaining the results in ICMR.

Under the MoU, both ICMR and Oxford University agreed to exchange and share ideas on three vector-borne diseases in the elimination phase -- malaria, visceral leishmaniasis, filariasis and emerging infections.

Among other things, the MoU will also help in supporting and developing best practices for data management, data documentation, data sharing, exploring opportunities for collaboration on research programs, exchange of research fellows, training on data management and statistical analysis, etc.

However, one clause clearly mentions that both ICMR and Oxford University will have to bear their own costs in relation to the collaboration envisaged. In case of funding intended to be passed to the other party, an Additional Agreement will be executed to govern the activity in question, the statement added.